Farmed rabbits are one of the least protected farm animals in EU law. Reform campaigns and retailer commitments are driving gradual transition to enriched group housing from barren individual cages.
Farmed rabbits in barren wire cages experience significant welfare deprivation including inability to express natural behaviours, painful foot conditions, and psychological frustration. The relative neglect of rabbit welfare in EU legislation compared to poultry and pigs is a significant policy gap. Retailer commitments to cage-free rabbit sourcing are creating market-led improvements ahead of regulation.